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Nyoodles

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Aug 21, 2024
2
0
Hi guys, I need a replacement power supply for an ancient LaCie external hard drive. It's a 2TB QUADRA. The P/S is a big black wall-wart that puts out 12volts @ 3amps into a barrel plug. I have a photo of the HDD to help with identification. LaCie/Seagate have no clue because it's about 20 years old. If you have any intel, I'd appreciate you hitting me up here. Many thanks! Nigel.

PHOTO-2024-08-21-17-08-10.jpg
 

arw

macrumors 65816
Aug 31, 2010
1,236
979
Well, you pretty much did all the heavy lifting by figuring out the old power bricks specifications:
12V @3A
So it's only a matter of finding the right plug size (physically).
But not only the outer diameter of the jack is important, also the inner hole must match the pin of the HDDs socket.
If the inner hole of the jack is too large, you risk a loose contact.
If you have an electronics store nearby, you could bring your HDD and test it on-site.
Or you could order a matching PSU with multiple jacks and hope one fits.
 

Nyoodles

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Aug 21, 2024
2
0
Well, you pretty much did all the heavy lifting by figuring out the old power bricks specifications:
12V @3A
So it's only a matter of finding the right plug size (physically).
But not only the outer diameter of the jack is important, also the inner hole must match the pin of the HDDs socket.
If the inner hole of the jack is too large, you risk a loose contact.
If you have an electronics store nearby, you could bring your HDD and test it on-site.
Or you could order a matching PSU with multiple jacks and hope one fits.
Thank you, friend. I knew there was another option but was so focused on original parts that I couldn't swing my brain far enough to see the other option. I am grateful to you for identifying that option. Cheers!!!
 

arw

macrumors 65816
Aug 31, 2010
1,236
979
If you're capable of soldering or know someone who is, you can cut off the original plug/ cable and solder it to a different 12V@3A power adapter.
Perhaps you even have one to spare laying around… or that's just me 😅
It probably should not be the absolutely cheapest one as were talking about a PC component.
(I'm no expert but things like steady voltage and electromagnetic compliance come to mind.)
 

HDFan

Contributor
Jun 30, 2007
7,290
3,339
Is there a reason you aren't just replacing it?

1. You can get a used replacement on ebay for $20
2. If these are firewire connectors you can get an enclosure with a much faster interface for ~$70.
 

Fishrrman

macrumors Penryn
Feb 20, 2009
29,233
13,304
HDFan wrote:
"If these are firewire connectors you can get an enclosure with a much faster interface for ~$70"

I'm wondering if the actual drive inside uses a 40-pin PATA interface instead of a more modern "SATA" style interface? In that case a "newer" enclosure might not work at all.

For $15, the 3rd-party power block is probably the "easiest way".

IF the drive has a SATA type interface, a USB3/SATA docking station might be a good way to go. But the OP is going to have to "open it up" and take a look inside.

Those four "round spots" on the corners... if they can be lifted off... do they reveal screws (for disassembly) underneath...?
 

wuchtbrumme

macrumors newbie
Jun 23, 2012
16
0
when finding a replacement brick or creating one by soldering on the plug, dont forget the parity: a small symbol will indicate if plus or minus is on the inner or outer part of the plug.
 

HDFan

Contributor
Jun 30, 2007
7,290
3,339
HDFan wrote:
"If these are firewire connectors you can get an enclosure with a much faster interface for ~$70"

I'm wondering if the actual drive inside uses a 40-pin PATA interface instead of a more modern "SATA" style interface? In that case a "newer" enclosure might not work at all.

Sorry, wasn't clear. Should have said "enclosure with drive".
 
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